Frequently Asked Questions
With Camp Fire USA’s variety of outcome-based programs, youth find a fun and inclusive place with caring adults committed to providing a positive youth development environment. It’s a place where children form lasting relationships, develop a sense of belonging and are actively involved in their own learning.
This environment allows Camp Fire USA youth to have life-enhancing experiences, and develop assets that are essential to their future. Children and families engage in all-inclusive, coeducational programs that build service and leadership skills and strengthen communities.
WHAT IS CAMP FIRE USA?
Camp Fire USA is one of the nation’s leading youth development organizations since it’s founding in 1910. The organization serves thousands of boys and girls in hundreds of communities across America.
Our mission is “Camp Fire USA builds caring, confident youth and future leaders.” And last year, Camp Fire logged an amazing 22 million program hours in pursuit of that mission.
HOW MANY BENEFIT?
Camp Fire USA, through its 85 councils spread from coast to coast, spent 22 million program hours serving thousands of children and youth in 2008. That number is expected to increase.
WHO CAN BE INVOLVED?
Camp Fire USA is unique because we are not an exclusive club. We have evolved to welcome everyone, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation or other aspect of diversity.
We are inclusive and open to every person in each community we serve. We work to realize the dignity and worth of every individual and to eliminate human barriers based on all assumptions that prejudge individuals. In addition, our program standards are designed and implemented to reduce sex-role, racial and cultural stereotypes and to foster positive intercultural relationships.
WHAT AGE GROUPS DOES CAMP FIRE USA SERVE?
Camp Fire USA provides services for children and youth from age six-weeks to 21, with an emphasis on kids between the ages of 5-16 years old.
HOW CAN MY CHILD GET INVOLVED WITH CAMP FIRE USA?
To find out more about what Camp Fire USA programs are offered in your area, please contact your nearest council by clicking on: Camp Fire USA Council. You can also use the “Find a Council Near You” locator on our home page.
WHAT IF THERE IS NO COUNCIL IN MY AREA?
While Camp Fire USA has councils in most states, we are not in all. That's why we've developed a way to serve youth and families that do not live near a council. We call these smaller groups: "Fire Tenders." Spread across the country, Fire Tender allows families to participate in Camp Fire programs “virtually," using e-newsletters and e-mail to stay connected. It’s a way that Camp Fire USA can serve more people, while offering families the flexibility to experience the programs that interest them most. For more information on the Camp Fire USA Fire Tender Council, contact Camp Fire USA at 816-285-2010 or send an e-mail to: info@campfireusa.org.
HOW MANY COUNCILS DO YOU HAVE?
We currently have 85 Camp Fire USA councils and community partners serving communities across America. Many other communities are served by the Camp Fire USA Fire Tender Council.
WHY SHOULD KIDS BE INVOLVED WITH CAMP FIRE USA?
In Camp Fire USA, we encourage every child to discover his or her talents and abilities in a safe and secure environment. We think it’s important that kids satisfy their need to belong. Camp Fire allows youth to be part of a group that helps them make friends, interact with adult role models and become concerned citizens in their communities. This is taught through fun, coeducational activities, such as camps, clubs and child care, as well as programs such as A Gift of Giving, which teaches children the value of volunteering and service-learning.
HOW DOES CAMP FIRE USA DIFFER FROM OTHER YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS?
Camp Fire USA is inclusive, welcoming youth and adults regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation or other aspect of diversity.
One important difference is that Camp Fire USA is coeducational—we serve both boys and girls in virtually all programs. Parents who like to consolidate activities for their sons and daughters find Camp Fire valuable. On another level, Camp Fire’s relatively small size and autonomous council structure allow for more custom programs for the local communities. If increasing high school drop-out rates is a problem in one community and availability of school-age child care is a problem in another, then Camp Fire councils have the ability to concentrate on those problems, with assistance from the national system.
We also differ in the processes we use to develop children and youth. Camp Fire USA youth are encouraged to participate in group and individual projects, developing their social interaction skills, as well as their abilities to rely on themselves. We generally work with smaller numbers of children and youth, providing us opportunities to build special, supportive relationships with the girls and boys we serve.
Camp Fire USA programs are based more upon development of youth as individuals to become self-reliant, caring members of their families, their schools, their communities and their nation, while including sports, games, crafts, and other similar activities. Camp Fire relies on outcome-based coeducational curriculums to reach the children and youth, therefore, providing support and opportunities as they move from dependence to independence to interdependence.
WAS YOUR ORGANIZATION ONCE CALLED “CAMP FIRE GIRLS?"
Yes, Camp Fire was founded in 1910 as an organization for girls and young women. This was the same year the Boy Scouts was founded and few organizations for girls existed. But as society’s values changed, Camp Fire realized there were many benefits to making the organization even more inclusive, rather than exclusive. The organization became officially coeducational in 1975 and was renamed Camp Fire Boys and Girls.
Today, Camp Fire USA brings boys and girls together through one organization, where they learn to play together, work together and appreciate their similarities and differences in positive ways. They understand that people from either gender can be their teachers, coworkers, supervisors, confidantes, coaches and friends. For families, Camp Fire’s coed programs allow parents to consolidate schedules for both their daughters and their sons. Our current membership is almost equally divided between boys and girls.
While we appreciate and honor our past, as culture has evolved, so has Camp Fire.
WHY DID YOU GET A NEW LOGO FOR YOUR CENTENNIAL?
Camp Fire USA is extremely proud that it is about to celebrate its 100th birthday and wants to remind everyone that 2010 is our centennial year. For the period of the centennial celebrations, the new logo will replace our previous logo in all communications.